How to fit into a workplace full of millennials

Seventy-year-old widower, a retired executive applies to a senior citizen intern program after retirement has become too boring for him. The company he applies to is a fast-growing e-commerce fashion startup owned by a young girl, who is his son’s age. In the company, the 70 year old intern impresses everyone. He slowly wins over co-workers with his congeniality and gets into the founders good graces. The story is from the movie – Intern, starring Robert De Niro & Anne Hathaway. (If you haven’t watched the movie yet, you have to see it, with some popcorn and coffee maybe)

You have made up your mind and decided to enter the workspace once again, but you can feel the flutters in your heart and butterflies -maybe horses running around in your stomach, especially when you think of working with individuals who would be half your age or even younger.

Do I fit in?

The first question that pops up in your head when you think of getting back to the work scene is, will I fit in?

• How do I fit into a workplace dominated by youngsters or millennials as they are called?
• How do I work with them and adjust with someone who’s 30 years younger than me?
• Will I be able to work at their speed?
• Will I understand technology and
• How will they accept me, someone who is probably their parent’s age?

I’m sure these are some of your apprehensions and fears related to working in the current corporate scenario. Most of these workplaces are owned and run by people in their 20s and 30s.

So it’s natural to have the fear of - How do I fit in such a workplace? But it is not difficult. We often feel anxious and nervous before any kind of change. Hence, this feeling is normal.

Let’s not forget, you will be taken at a workplace because of your expertise and to add value, which combined with an open mind will only do wonders for you.

So here are 4 steps to follow that can make you Mr/Ms. congeniality in the company

• Be eager to learn more than to give advice

Robert De Niro’s character in the movie shares a desire to reinvent himself in a new career and working environment. That should be your approach too. He works in the same place where his factory used to be, a place where he had worked for 40 years and yet he adapts to the new ways and culture of the current company.  When you get back to work, think of yourself as an intern, where there is as much to learn as much there is to contribute. People do not value free advice. So, as harsh as it may sound, refrain yourself from giving advise at the drop of a hat. Also don’t get into the habit of cribbing and nagging over things you don’t understand or you don’t believe in as it is a big turn off. Adapt to the company culture and lingo. Continuous learning is the only way to move ahead and be a star performer Remember to embrace new ways, moulding the old ways and reinventing yourself.

• Share stories from your experiences

Corporates live in a world of facts and figures. Most corporate Individuals are stressed and a recent study claims 44% of corporate India is depressed.  Individuals worry about their future and what it would be like when they turn 60 or 70. You are the link for them. You are a story they are intrigued about   This is a generation that craves emotional connect and your stories can stir those emotions and create a sense of happy feeling that will  forever stay with them. Before you realize, you will have a big group of fan following. Remember to keep those stories interesting and over a cup of coffee/tea.

• Know who they are

As they say in business, if you want to win, understand your customers inside out. Know what they want, when they want and most importantly why they want. Use the same strategy when you enter a workplace. Before you start work, understand your environment and understand the millennials. There is a lot that has been written about the millennials. So here are quick points that I think you should know. When you work with them you do realize they are hardworking, inquisitive and humble. They have grown up on social media and texting; hence they expect instant connections and immediate responses. Since they are an inquisitive group, they will ask a lot of questions and expect you to answer them. What they need is a mentor and not a boss or a parent. So mentor them, find answers with them and share their enthusiasm.  (I promise I will cover a post on understanding and how to deal with millennials) 

• Share food

A way to a man’s, to a woman’s and to every human’s heart is through their stomach. Yes – food is a connector of hearts. Use food or lunch time to build rapport and connections with your colleagues.  Do not sit alone at your desk and eat. At lunch break, join the others and eat together. Food has extraordinary power to forge friendships. It helps spark a feeling of familiarity. Food – as a tool will help you fit in faster and perfectly. 

Getting back to work is the most exciting part and fitting in is easier than you think. So kill your fears, and apprehensions and go ahead to rock the work scene. Here’s to being zany –#binzy